Cardiovascular disease determinants in chronic renal failure: clinical approach and treatment

Open Access
Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
Introduction. Cardiovascular disease (CVD), as the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in patients on renal replacement therapy (RRT), has a central role in everyday nephrological practice. Methods. Consensus was reached on key points relating to the clinical approach and treatment of the main cardiovascular risk factors in RRT patients (hypertension, anaemia, hyperparathyroidism, dyslipidaemia, new emerging risk factors). In addition, the role of convective treatments on cardiovascular outcomes was examined. Results. Hypertension should be managed by aiming at blood pressure values of ⩽140/90 mmHg (⩽160/90 mmHg in the elderly), firstly by ensuring target dry body weight is achieved. No single class of drug has proved superior to others in RRT patients, provided that the blood pressure target is achieved, although ACE inhibitors have shown specific organ protection in high‐risk patients (HOPE study) and are well tolerated. Anaemia should be managed by using erythropoietin and iron supplements, aiming at haemoglobin levels of 12 g/dl and keeping serum ferritin levels Conclusion. CVD prevention and treatment is a great challenge for the nephrologist. Achieving evidence‐based consensus can help in encouraging the implementation of best clinical practice in line with the progress of current knowledge.

This publication has 56 references indexed in Scilit: